Transportation Engineer Administrator - Davenport RCE

Salary
$98,009.60 – $139,568.00 Annually
Location
Davenport – 52801 – Scott County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-03344
Agency
645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
6/21/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Adrian Simonson – Show email

Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
Are you a seasoned engineering leader who thrives on building strong teams, solving complex construction challenges, and shaping transportation infrastructure that millions rely on every year? If so, the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Davenport Resident Construction Office (RCE) is looking for a Transportation Engineer Administrator who’s ready to make a lasting impact. This highly visible leadership role brings together engineering expertise, people leadership, and strategic decision-making to deliver meaningful results across District 6.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. This position will foster growth and support for its reporting team through the five core values of the department: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: Davenport RCE Office, Davenport, Iowa

Shift Requirements: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, hours may vary; may need to respond to emergencies and occasional travel.

As a Transportation Engineer Administrator, you’ll lead a team of up to 15 construction and engineering professionals, manage a $1.8 million operating budget, and oversee state and federal-aid construction projects that directly impact the quality, safety, and efficiency of Iowa’s transportation system.

We’re seeking a leader who:

Is passionate about coaching teams and bringing out their best.
Enjoys digging into complex engineering challenges and finding smart solutions.
Can translate technical information into clear, actionable communication for any audience.
Takes pride in strengthening communities through transportation improvements.

Your duties include, but are not limited to:

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

Hire, train, coach, and evaluate staff while fostering a supportive, growth-oriented work environment.
Set priorities, maintain office procedures, ensure safety, and guide workforce development.
Administer Major Construction Projects

Conduct preconstruction conferences, field reviews, and ongoing inspections to ensure contract compliance and quality.
Approve change orders, contract item overruns, and new contract items up to $150,000 each.
Coordinate traffic control, safety requirements, DBE compliance, and resolution of project issues.
Serve as a Key Liaison and Problem Solver

Work closely with contractors, local governments, utilities, railroads, FHWA, consultants, and the general public.
Provide clear, confident communication—from public meetings to media interviews.
Help Shape the Transportation Improvement Program

Participate in early planning, design reviews, environmental considerations, and project scheduling recommendations.

Special Requirements:

Must have, or prior to appointment, must obtain and maintain an active Iowa Professional Engineering license through the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau – Engineering and Land Survey Examination Board.
Possess and maintain a minimum of a Class C non-commercial driver’s license.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Paid time off effective immediately – biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).
We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If you’re interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: Show email

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) All of the following (a and b):
a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and
b. Four years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities.
2) All of the following (a, b, and c):
a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and
b. Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering, one year of which must have included supervisory/managerial responsibilities; and
c. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering.
3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes two years of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Manager or Transportation Engineer Senior or three years of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Specialist.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)
Additional Qualification Requirements
Prior to appointment, applicants must possess active licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.